Insurance for internships abroad

If you’ve found an internship abroad, that’s great news! However, it’s now time to think about covering the risks associated with your departure (medical care, accommodation, luggage, repatriation, etc.). In this article, Stud&Globe explains the insurance that’s useful abroad, so you can travel with complete peace of mind.

WHY TAKE OUT INSURANCE ABROAD?

In France, as a student, you’re already covered in the event of illness or accident by your health insurance. This covers a large proportion of your medical expenses, as well as other insurances such as civil liability, mutual insurance and home insurance. These insurances protect you against risks such as property damage or bodily injury, whether you’re at fault or the victim.

However, these guarantees are not always valid abroad, or only to a limited extent. That’s why it’s essential to take out additional insurance before you leave. It helps you avoid unexpected costs, such as an accident in a café or expensive medical treatment. The aim is not to take out insurance for every conceivable situation, as this could become costly, but to prioritize common risks to ensure your peace of mind. It’s important to strike the right balance between the cost of insurance and the coverage you deem necessary.

WHAT ABOUT THE EUROPEAN CARTE VITALE?

If you’ve thought about applying for your European carte vitale, you’ve made an excellent choice! However, it’s important to understand that this card has its limits. Its purpose is to enable you to benefit from the same medical cover as in France, but only within the European Union. This means that your health insurance will cover your medical expenses, but only up to the level of rates charged in France.

For example, if a consultation costs you 50 euros in the country where you’re doing your internship, health insurance will only reimburse 25 euros (the maximum amount covered in France), and you’ll have to pay the remaining 25 euros. Abroad, the cost of consultations can sometimes be much higher, while social security coverage remains unchanged. That’s why it’s a good idea to take out supplementary insurance to cover the difference and any additional medical expenses.

WHICH COVERINGS ARE BEST?

Here is a list of the main risks against which insurance is essential:

– Medical expenses: medical consultations, medicines, hospital care.

– Property damage and bodily injury: damage you could cause to others or that could be caused to you.

– Lost or stolen luggage: so you’re never caught out if your personal belongings are lost or stolen.

– Burglary: if your home is burglarized.

– Early return: in the event of a serious problem requiring your early return.

If you are covered for these risks, you can travel with peace of mind. For other coverages, it’s important to assess each situation according to your destination, your profile and the specific risks of your stay. As a general rule, you should expect to pay around 200 euros for full insurance cover for a six-month internship.

ATTENTION TO INSURANCE CONDITIONS AND LIMITS

Let’s say your insurance covers your luggage during your stay. Sounds great! But if you lose your suitcase, you’ll soon realize that the insurer will only reimburse you for low-value items. This can be a major inconvenience if you were expecting a larger reimbursement for valuable items.

Insurance policies vary in terms of reimbursement conditions. Before choosing an insurance policy, it’s crucial to check the following criteria:

– Minimum amount or duration: some insurances only cover costs above a certain amount or after a certain number of days’ absence in the event of illness.

– Ceiling amount or duration: this determines the maximum repayment you can obtain for a given problem.

– Reimbursement times: some insurers may take several weeks to reimburse you for expenses incurred.

– Amount of costs to be advanced: some contracts require you to advance an amount before you can be reimbursed.

By checking these criteria, you can compare insurance offers and choose the one that best suits your needs. And don’t forget to check that your destination is well covered by insurance. There are companies specializing in insurance for trips abroad, so don’t hesitate to compare their offers with those of French companies.

Now that you know everything you need to know about insurance for an internship abroad, you can approach your stay with greater peace of mind. The aim is to find a compromise between sufficient coverage and reasonable cost, while avoiding unpleasant surprises. Remember that every situation is unique, so tailor your choice to your destination and your specific needs. For other useful tips for mobile students, don’t hesitate to consult our blog dedicated to stays abroad!